Causes.com
| 1.10.22

World’s Five Leading Nuclear Weapons States Release Joint Statement Opposing Nuclear War & Arms Races

How do you feel about the joint statement?

What’s the story?

  • The leaders of the five countries with the world’s largest nuclear arsenals released a joint statement this month to “affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought” and express their commitment to preventing further nuclear proliferation and “an arms race that would benefit none and endanger all.”
  • The U.S., the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Great Britain, and France were represented in the statement, which addressed their collective desire to reduce strategic risks stemming from nuclear weapons. The joint statement explained:
“We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons ― for as long as they continue to exist ― should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war. We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented.”
  • The joint statement also allowed the five nations to “emphasize the importance of preserving and complying with our bilateral and multilateral non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control agreements and commitments.” 
  • All five countries are parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and are believed to have the largest nuclear arsenals in the world. The U.S. and Russia have the largest arsenals, although China is rapidly modernizing and expanding its arsenal. Three other countries with declared nuclear weapons arsenals ― India, Pakistan, and North Korea ― didn’t join the statement. 
  • A spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a statement to express appreciation for the statement as a recognition of those countries’ commitment to curtailing nuclear proliferation and avoiding nuclear war. He added that “the only way to eliminate all nuclear risks is to eliminate all nuclear weapons.”
  • This statement comes amid several looming threats to global stability, including Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s border; China’s use of its military to coerce Taiwan; Iran potentially moving to acquire nuclear weapons; and North Korea’s tests of nuclear-capable missiles. 
  • Recent efforts to renew the push for arms control have also fallen flat as Russia and the U.S. let the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty expire in 2019, with both seeking to develop missiles with that range given China’s large arsenal of such weapons as a non-signatory. Discussions of a new INF Treaty involving all three countries haven’t progressed, and the three countries are also stepping up their development of hypersonic missiles, a technology that North Korea is also pursuing.


— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / RomoloTavani)

  • 458
    Linda
    01/19/2022

    How do you feel about the joint statement? Another illustration of why Republicans should never be elected again. This only happens when the adults are in charge and we set aside our "American exceptionalism" and care more about the world than about a country.

  • 3,405
    Adel
    01/16/2022

    I count 8. There are eight countries with nuclear weapons. I believe it will line up like this, US, Great Britain, France and India versus China, Russia, N. Korea and Pakistan. And I do not think that there is any chance of any one of them NOT using theirs.

  • 24
    Tim
    01/16/2022

    Words are just air.

  • 2,215
    wpeckham
    01/15/2022

    This is excellent in principal, but India, Pakistan, and North Korea abstaining means they are willing to cause global destruction and end life on this planet to preserve their egos. Also, Russia lies and has small Nuclear devices under the authority of Front commanders to deploy at will. They will use them if they see a strategic advantage and then cover it up.

  • 8,874
    M
    01/15/2022

    Is this new? No.

  • 862
    Daniel
    01/15/2022

    So many Statements so little Credibility.

  • 1,806
    Shari
    01/14/2022

    A joint statement is fluff, what is needed is a total dismantling and ban on all nuclear weapons.

  • 1,845
    RoyB
    01/14/2022

    The concept is GREAT. However, the words and actions do not match. I see Russia, China, the USA, Iran, and other countries including North Korea working ferociously to improve their nuclear warheads and making them even deadlier. Especially North Korea and its trigger-happy fingers.

  • 890
    Bobbie
    01/14/2022

    All world leaders should be like the five. I totally agree with the five leaders.

  • 373
    Marilyn
    01/14/2022

    @JimK agree 100% well said

  • 463
    Eric
    01/14/2022

    This is good news... until some nut decides pushing the nuclear button seems to be a good idea... then it won't be,

  • 13.3k
    MrGeer
    01/13/2022

    Mutually assured destruction....think about that...What sort of monsters take comfort in that? The best way to assure we don't wipe humanity off the face of the earth would be to STOP MAKING NUCLEAR BOMBS!! Stop giving the military industrial complex a blank check!! People in other countries do not lead lesser lives. they love their children, and want to live in peace, just like everyone else. We need housing and healthcare- not more bombs and wars.

  • 7,920
    larubia
    01/13/2022

    Love this…if we could only get Kim Jong-un to join!!!

  • 1,527
    Lael
    01/14/2022

    :)

  • 3,959
    Jean
    01/14/2022

    CAUSES ASKS "How do you feel about the joint statement [of world leaders on nuclear war]" ME: Glad to read the statement, HOWEVER, they must go further and declare no first strike.

  • 380
    Mayra
    01/13/2022

    Lovely but they’re just words. Our current administration would do nothing except dish out more words should it be violated. The world does not take Biden seriously. America is rudderless and the world powers are moving in whatever direction they wish knowing full well the US will do nothing.

  • 592
    Joseph
    01/13/2022

    About fucking time! Everyone knew nuclear weapons and war could never be considered, EVER! One missile with 10+ MIRV warheads means the end of life on this planet as we know it — PERIOD! Nuclear weapons, even short range tactical nukes, can never be implemented. Everyone knew this! Everyone knew this back in 1945. Everyone!

  • 2,937
    Arlys
    01/13/2022

    I demand PROOF these countries will follow through with this statement. "Actions speak louder than words". In my personal opinion, ALL wars should be ended ASAP. All the bombing, overuse of military equipment, and destruction of physical objects only add to the threat to our climate. The world leaders must accept the fact that we cannot CONTROL what others think and do. Each and every country should put the health and well-being of their people above and beyond greed and their lust for power and control and be willing to punish all who do not comply. Time is running out for all of us no matter our country or religion. We must learn to accept differences even if we don't agree with those differences. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." For those who don't comprehend; treat other people like you would like them to treat you. Accept, respect, and then walk away keeping your mouth shut and your thoughts to yourself.

  • 2,937
    Arlys
    01/13/2022

    I demand PROOF these countries will follow through with this statement. "Actions speak louder than words". In my personal opinion, ALL wars should be ended ASAP. All the bombing, overuse of military equipment, and destruction of physical objects only add to the threat to our climate. The world leaders must accept the fact that we cannot CONTROL what others think and do. Each and every country should put the health and well-being of their people above and beyond greed and their lust for power and control and be willing to punish all who do not comply. Time is running out for all of us no matter our country or religion. We must learn to accept differences even if we don't agree with those differences. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." For those who don't comprehend; treat other people like you would like them to treat you. Accept, respect, and then walk away keeping your mouth shut and your thoughts to yourself.

  • 304
    Kathy
    01/13/2022

    It is NOT about who joined the statement but which nations did NOT join the statement.